Ocom executed this piece over several months in 2024 on commission from the collector, who visited the artist’s studio many times. The painting is the first in a planned series of four describing Ugandan women in various stages of washing, this being deemed an interesting enough subject that it should be immortalized in monumental artworks. Ocom has completed two canvases so far, the other being Resty (Portrait of a Ugandan Woman before Washing). If models can be found, the other two paintings would depict a woman thinking about washing and another, covered in suds and squatting behind the inevitable bucket, presently washing. The most gifted Ugandan artist of his generation, Ocom is a terrific draughtsman and a painter of thoughts and ideas. Ritah, in case you are wondering, is the artist’s sister-in-law, painted with the knowledge of Ocom’s wife.
